I am thrilled by the overwhelming support this campaign has generated since its inception. What started as a spontaneous response to my frustration with illegal and indiscriminate mining in Ghana has evolved into a powerful movement. The overwhelming support I’ve received highlights a global recognition of the dangers of irresponsible mining. I’m particularly excited to share that our campaign has grown from one to over 25,000 signatures! Here is a recap of some important developments in the fight against Galamsey. Buckle up for a fascinating read.

An Insidious Threat

A cursory search of Galamsey online will result in a litany of news articles, debates, protests, and opinions on the severe socio-economic, environmental, and human costs of this insidious phenomenon. I will touch on some pivotal events that highlight the intensifying fight against it and the hurdles at stake. The resurgence of Galamsey comes in the wake of imminent social crisis and widespread agitation from the public and civil organizations. The #StopGalamseyNow topped social media trends during a 3-day demonstration and picketing in Accra by a youth-led group called Democracy Hub. Unfortunately, the demonstration turned violent, with police clashing with protestors, resulting in over 50 arrests, including a 64-year-old woman and her 8-year-old granddaughter. This attracted a larger protest by disillusioned youth demanding the release of the arrested protestors. The protests also drew support from other organizations, such as the Catholic Bishops of the Accra Archdiocese, who organized an environmental vigil and walk. Ghana’s largest labor union issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding an immediate halt to all small-scale mining and the repeal of the deleterious LI 2462, which allows mining in forest reserves. Although some concessions from the government led to the termination of the intended strike, the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) proceeded with a short-lived strike against Galamsey.

Counting the High Costs

The proliferation of illicit arms, a dangerous spin-off from galamsey has led to tragic events, including fatal clashes between community vigilante groups, illegal miners and government security forces. In recent months, at least five Galamsey related fatalities, including the shooting of a middle-aged woman. Other troubling developments include the abduction and assault of investigative journalists at gunpoint. The militarization of Galamsey by government security forces and vigilante groups could lead to conflicts akin to other destabilized mineral-rich regions in West Africa. Galamsey also affects livelihoods, causing the loss of arable farmland and poor crop yields, which undermine cocoa production, one of Ghana's major export crops. Experts estimate that Ghana loses more than $2 billion annually to tax evasion due to illegal mining and gold smuggling.

Regulatory and Policy Deficits

At the heart of this crisis is the failure of policy and regulation in addressing glaring loopholes in small and medium scale mining. This is exacerbated by the controversial LI 2462, which exposes forest reserves to rampaging illegal miners. Activists and civil society have been demanding the repeal of this law, seeing it as a betrayal of public trust. Although the has initiated the repeal of the LI, government yielding to pressure and initiating the repeal of the LI, there are concerns that the fight against Galamsey is only beginning. A more comprehensive LI is required to address regulatory and governance loopholes on small to medium scale mining in Ghana. The lack of political will to confront Galamsey between the two largest political parties in Ghana further complicates the issue. Without strong political will, the fight against Galamsey has become arduous and polarizing, resting squarely on the shoulders of ordinary Ghanaian citizens.

“I don’t want my grandchild to come and drink this water”

#StopGalamseyNow Protestor

The groundswell of activism by ordinary Ghanaian citizens underscores their commitment to this crucial responsibility. Speaking on BBC Focus on Africa, Dr. Yaw Graham of Third World Network Africa noted that, “there are many who are alert enough to the intergenerational threat that this thing represents… ordinary Ghanaians have put this thing on the agenda and all political parties are under pressure to respond.” The ingenuity of creative expressions in the fight against Galamsey is particularly interesting. This includes TikTok and Instagram skits aimed at educating grassroots audiences on the socio-economic dangers of galamsey. A shock campaign, involving a collaboration between young artists and street vendors of sachet water (locally known as pure water), generated significant media attention. The campaign involved packaging contaminated ‘impure’ water to highlight the irreparable social cost of Galamsey and reimagine a future where potable water is a luxury for a wealthy few.

What Next?

Despite persistent efforts, Ghana’s streams and rivers remain polluted as illegal mining continues unabated. This campaign is to rally support in an uphill fight against unscrupulous politicians, powerful chiefs, local authorities, and businessmen who are tightening their grip on Ghana’s vulnerable ecology. I am convinced of the need to supplement the citizens' efforts with pressure from external bodies and I hope our collective effort makes a significant impact. Bravo to all of us for signing and sharing this petition, and special thanks to the 110 promoters who have contributed a whooping £667 in advertisements to ensure a broader reach. As the campaign nears 30,000 signatures, I believe it is already a resounding success. I have begun preparations for the next line of action, which I will outline in my third and hopefully final update. In the meantime, let’s continue sharing and inviting more signatures. Should you have questions, concerns, or additional contributions, particularly ideas for the effective resolution of this campaign, do not hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

Ken.

Here are links major headlines and engaging soundbites about galamsey

• The deadly dig for Ghana's gold
• Paramount Chief destools 3 Sub-chiefs over galamsey
• Restoring forests or ravaging Ghana’s green heritage?
• 'We are poisoning ourselves'
• Protesters begin 3-day campaign against galamsey
• Why Galamsey is a big issue BBC Focus on Africa
• Ghana river pollution: Illegal gold mining polluting water
• Galamsey Water by collective of young artists
• Ghana loses over $2bn to illegal mining
• Galamsey seeps into presidential election
• Ghana must stop galamsey before it sinks the country
• Catholic Archdiocese of Accra march against Galamsey